The United Arab Emirates (UAE) represented by the Telecommunication Regulatory Authority (TRA) hosted the 18th Arab Spectrum Management Group Meeting (ASMG) on May 21 – 23, 2014 in Dubai, in cooperation with the Technical Secretariat of Arab Ministers Council for Telecommunications and Information-League of Arab States.

The ASMG meeting reviewed preparations ahead of the 2015 World Radio-communication Conference (WRC-15) which will be held in Geneva on November 2 – 27, 2015. The meeting outlined the position of Arab countries on WRC-15 and prepared work papers for each item on the conference agenda. The event also included coordination meetings with a number of other regional groups to exchange views on their positions on WRC-15.

“ASMG meetings create a great opportunity for Arab Nations to coordinate their approach and in turn, present the collaborative vision of the Arab world to the international radio communications industry,” said H.E. Majed Al Mesmar, TRA Deputy Director General for Telecommunications Sector.

“WRC 15 has significant implications for the entire sector. As a result, the radio communications industry in the Arab world continues to prioritize attending this global event. This year’s ASMG will be extremely productive and more high level discussions will take place and act as a basis of the successful involvement at the WRC 15 in Geneva,” he added.

“This meeting is of great significance as it helps in coordinating the position of Arab nations ahead of WRC-15 and unify views regarding the event agenda. WRC-15 tackles various issues related to vital wireless communication services including aviation, fixed and mobile services, broadcasting and satellite services and among many others,” said Eng. Tariq Abdul Karim Al Awadi, Executive Director of Spectrum Affairs Department at the TRA and Chairman of the Arab Group.

“There is a large responsibility on the shoulders of the ASMG team members to unify the Arab nations approach ahead of time in order to deliver the best possible regulatory environment to guarantee the security and development of telecommunications services, spectrum ranges included, in the Arab World,” he added.